Poland's Deputy PM Discusses Putin's Refusal to Join the West
Poland's Deputy Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin declined to align with the West due to fears of Russia becoming a rival in integration. Speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival, he noted that despite Poland's encouragement, Putin's concerns about NATO and the Arab Spring influenced his decision. Sikorski highlighted that the ongoing war in Ukraine has cost Russia approximately one trillion dollars. Poland has increased its defense spending to 4.7% of GDP, pledging 3.5% by the decade's end. While providing logistical support to Ukraine, Poland has supplied more tanks than Germany, France, and Britain combined. Sikorski also warned that Russia's partnership with China could weaken its geopolitical position.
Published 1 day ago • 18 Jan 2026, 06:04 PM IST